First “Historic” Swimsuit Fashion Show in Conservative Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia organized its first swimsuit fashion show on Friday, hinting at the changes being brought up in the conservative Islamic country.

Around a decade back, it was mandatory for women in Saudi Arabia to wear body-covering abaya robes.

The poolside swimsuit show featured mostly one-piece suits in shades designed by Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal in shades of red, beige and blue.

Most models in swimsuits had exposed shoulders and some had their midriffs partially visible.

The show took place on the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort on Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Saudi Arabia is changing under the Vision 2030 social and economic reform programme overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Prince Mohammed has initiated a series of social reforms to soften Saudi Arabia’s austere image. The changes include re-introducing cinemas and organizing mixed-gender music festivals.